Chapter 123:

Chapter 123:

Simon closely scrutinized the gatekeeper as he presented his identification badge.

The gatekeepers rigid eyes widened as soon as he verified Simons identification badge.

The guards blocking the front of the carriage immediately knelt on one knee and saluted him.

Simon waved his hand in response to their stiff greeting

I apologize for the confusion. I will report to my superiors immediately and have them accompany you. Please wait a moment with your graciousness.

Its fine. I think its okay to report to the higher-ups after I have gone. I and my companions will head straight to the Magic Division. But

Simons cold eyes assessed the appearance of the guards, who stood stiffly in front of him, resembling more protective gear than a security uniform.

Then, after glancing at the other guards blocking the opposite passage, he spoke again.

The attire of the guards seems closer to protective suits than to regular gear. Has something happened in the Inner City?

Upon Simons sharp inquiry, the guards looked startled and glanced at each other.

However, since there was no need to hide it, they nodded with stern faces.

Well its the demonic disease. You might already know about it, but the skin disease has been spreading here for a few days now.

Demonic disease?

Upon hearing the word Demonic disease coming from their mouths, Simon recalled the brief report he received from the Mage Tower a few months ago.

A skin disease spreading through the capital.

It was a skin disease characterized by black spots, accompanied by fever, itching, and heightened sensitivity to touch.

It was one of the troublesome issues plaguing Louismond, and one of the reasons Simon and Kalia urged for a swift return to the capital.

But I thought it primarily originated in the capital. I heard it wasnt contagious?

As Simon pondered for a moment, he asked again.

Do you know exactly when it started?

Well, its difficult to say exactly when it started as the epidemiological investigation is still ongoing. The Magic Division is conducting overnight investigations to determine how the disease spread.

Even the Magic Division was conducting an investigation, but Simon hadnt received a report yet. That meant the disease hadnt spread for long.

At most, it had been around for three or four days.

How serious is the spread?

Within a short time, one-third of the residents were affected by the disease. Since we still dont know the cause of the spread, we were being cautious about entry and exit.

It hadnt been long since he received the report from the capital, and it had already spread this far.

Furthermore, given the rate of spread, it was sufficient to suspect an epidemic.

Simon briefly contemplated and called Allen over to explain the situation in Kalias carriage.

An epidemic? Then wouldnt it be better to avoid the risk for now? Especially since we have children.

Allen pointed towards Sasha and Drea, who were playing around.

However, Kalia, who seemed lost in thought for some reason, shook her head and presented a different opinion.

Didnt they say that the skin disease spread from the capital? In that case, it seems meaningless to avoid the risk here.

Yeah. No matter how much we try to avoid it here, the biggest outbreak is in the capital, and were heading there anyway.

Right. So before we reach the capital, we might as well closely observe how the disease is spreading here and the condition of the patients.

Kalias words made Simon feel better.

Their thoughts aligned perfectly.

As a couple, they were on the same page Simon nodded with a sense of pride.Rread latest chapters at novelhall.com

However, Allen became anxious during their conversation.

But, Kalia, Sasha and Drea dont have strong immune systems yet.

But Allen, even though Drea is in a humanized state, shes not a human, so she wont catch human diseases. There havent been any reports of livestock or monsters contracting this skin disease either. The same goes for fairies and elves.

No matter how much he thought about it, Hendrick couldnt figure out how Kalia found out about the laxative.

Except for Simon, who knew in advance and took advantage of the situation

Just thinking about that time still made his teeth grind, and now he had to face him as a superior.

It was pointless to come all the way here, far from the capital.

No, its better this way. He may be ominous, but his skills are undoubtedly those of a genius It would be good to consult with him about the current situation.

Furthermore, that incident was already a long time ago, and now he had forgotten everything and was pursuing a successful career as the branch manager of Lakoa.

Yes, as a leader of an organization, I also have responsibilities and obligations. I wont be swept away by baseless emotions!

Hendrick corrected his thoughts and adjusted his posture.

While waiting for Simon to arrive, he organized the reports with a tense heart.

For several minutes, he looked out the window with a slight tension.

Simon appeared in the Mage Tower with unexpected characters.

* * *

Ah, huh? Huh?

Surprised beyond measure, Hendrick quickly sealed his immature moans with his own mouth.

Damn.

Startled, he unknowingly bit his lips, but he couldnt even feel the pain.

In the meantime, a rough and scarred hand was extended in front of him.

Its nice to meet you again like this. I am Kalia Tackskate. Im not sure if you remember.

A hand that still showed traces of holding a sword for a long time.

She extended that hand hesitantly, looking at him with a slightly gentle expression.

Kalia Tackskate.

Hendrick stared alternately at Kalia and her hand in a daze, but belatedly regained his composure and shook her hand.

Ah, hello. Cough, I am Hendrick Canceller. How could I not recognize the Empires hero as someone loyal to Rojas? Its an honor to meet you.

Hendrick, who restrained his sinking voice, forced a smile.

Yet, the heat rising slightly couldnt be helped.

He felt that the clothes he was wearing were too hot.

The calloused palm he held while shaking hands felt somehow heartwarming.

Isnt that what they call first love?

Even if the feeling of love remained now, it brought back excitement in the memories of the past.

Although he didnt have the intention to revive those feelings now, just by looking at each other, it reminded him of the emotions he had forgotten.

Kalia, who was shaking hands, raised an Oh expression and smiled slightly as she spoke.

I guess you dont remember well. Its a pity, but its alright. The memories may not always be good. Still, its nice to meet an old schoolmate after such a long time.

An old schoolmate. You remember me?!

Even though she remembered, she smiled and spoke to me!

I thought for sure she would only have bad memories of me from back then.

Caught off guard and excited, Hendrick grabbed her hand with both hands and exclaimed.

I, I remember too!

And at that moment.

Crack.

A circular current formed at the tip of Hendricks toes as he held Kalias hands tightly.